Jawbone Restoration
Ridge Augmentation in Cumming, GA
Ridge augmentation restores the natural contour of your jawbone after tooth loss, creating the shape and volume needed for successful dental implant placement. At Jawline Oral Surgery, Dr. William Shin performs this procedure with precision to help you regain both function and aesthetics.
Understanding the Procedure
What Is Ridge Augmentation?
After a tooth is extracted, the empty socket and surrounding bone begin to resorb naturally. Over time, this can cause the alveolar ridge to lose height and width, creating an indentation or flat area where the tooth once was. Ridge augmentation is a surgical procedure that fills in the defect with bone graft material to rebuild the ridge to its original dimensions.
This procedure is commonly performed immediately after tooth extraction to preserve the bone, or it can be done as a separate procedure months or years later to prepare for implant placement. Ridge augmentation is closely related to bone grafting but focuses specifically on restoring the shape and contour of the jawbone ridge.
Why It Matters
Why You May Need Ridge Augmentation
Implant Preparation
Dental implants require a certain width and height of bone to be placed securely. Ridge augmentation rebuilds the bone to meet these requirements.
Aesthetic Restoration
A collapsed ridge can create an unnatural appearance. Augmentation restores the natural jawline contour for a more natural-looking result with your final restoration.
Preventing Further Bone Loss
Untreated bone loss tends to progress over time. Ridge augmentation stops the cycle and provides a stable foundation for future treatment.
Better Prosthetic Fit
Even for patients choosing bridges or dentures instead of implants, a well-shaped ridge improves the fit, comfort, and appearance of prosthetic teeth.
What to Expect
The Ridge Augmentation Procedure
Assessment and Imaging
Dr. Shin evaluates your ridge deficiency with CBCT imaging and develops a tailored augmentation plan.
Graft Placement
Bone graft material is placed into the extraction socket or ridge defect. A barrier membrane may be used to protect the graft and guide new bone growth.
Guided Healing
The graft integrates with your natural bone over several months, restoring the height and width of the ridge. Follow-up visits monitor progress.
Implant Placement
Once the augmented ridge has healed, implants or other restorations can be placed on a solid, well-shaped foundation.
Common Questions
Ridge Augmentation FAQ
Ridge augmentation is a type of bone grafting that focuses specifically on rebuilding the contour of the alveolar ridge. It addresses the shape and volume of the ridge, while bone grafting is a broader term that includes socket preservation, sinus lifts, and other grafting procedures.
Healing typically takes 4 to 6 months, though the timeline varies based on the size of the defect and the type of graft material used. Dr. Shin monitors your healing with follow-up imaging.
Ridge augmentation is often recommended after tooth extraction to preserve bone, or before dental implant placement when the ridge has already lost volume. It may also be performed to improve the fit and aesthetics of dental prosthetics.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and sedation is available for your comfort. Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort for a few days after surgery, which is manageable with prescribed medication.
Restore Your Jawbone Contour
Schedule your ridge augmentation consultation with Dr. William Shin at Jawline Oral Surgery in Cumming, GA.